Life in the newsroom isn't easy. Everyone in the trade knows and accepts this.
The pressure to perform under difficult circumstances, day in and day out, can
take a toll on even the toughest of individuals. Yet, I have been privileged to
work with a group of people who epitomize "grace under pressure."
Yes, my days as an Assignment Desk Editor at WTNH have come to a close.
It is a bittersweet moment for me. I imagine, that I'll have the same feelings when
I drop David or Daniel off at prep school for the first time.
I have seen my associates grow personally and professionally. I have watched
the industry change in a fashion that not even the so-called smart crowd could
have foreseen. And I have changed as well.
The fires, homicides, and accidents will all soon fade. They will become the
distant memories of an old Assignment Desk Editor. The faces of my associates
who have moved on and (sad to say) passed on will also fade with the inexorable
passage of time.
So, I wish to give all who remain at WTNH my very best wishes. My hopes are
for your continued success and happiness.
And now, a few thoughts to share with you.
1) Remember that whether you're in the field or in the newsroom to treat each other
in the way you would want to be treated. I have failed in this, and hope that
you can learn from my mistakes.
2) Take care of each other. Look out the rearview mirror before opening the truck's
door and look up before deploying the mast.
3) You're a team! From the booth to the edit suite to the reporting team in the field to the
local sales associate. You're fortunes will rise and fall together.
4) Think about why you work in news. If you wanted a regular job, you'd have one.
5) Have fun! Embrace the fact that you love what you do. It's OK. It's an awesome
place to work.
On Monday, I'll start my newest adventure at Fox News Channel. I could not have
reached this level without acknowledging and giving thanks to my family at WTNH.
I shall never forget you.
Desk OUT!
